Aqua Sphere
Michael Phelps and Aqua Sphere launch ‘MP’ brand with release of collaboration's first competitive swim suit - Xpresso
Health & Beauty

Michael Phelps and Aqua Sphere Link for Swimsuit Brand

By Alexandra Scarborough, Close-Up Media Staff Writer

Aqua Sphere and Michael Phelps have launched Xpresso, the first competitive swim suit from their collaboration on the “MP” brand.

The Xpresso men's suit can be pre-ordered now with availability mid-May, and the women's suit will become available mid-summer. Retailers carrying the Xpresso can be found on michaelphelps.com.

The 2015 MP line, developed with the technical input and product testing of Phelps and Coach Bob Bowman, will also include performance swim goggles, K180 and K180+, and competitive training Focus Swim Snorkel, which has been designed and manufactured by Aqua Sphere.

"We are extremely excited to officially introduce Michael Phelps' signature brand, MP, to the international marketplace highlighted by our fully integrated collaboration in the development and release of MP's first competitive racing suit -Xpresso," said Todd Mitchell, Business Line Manager, Aqua Sphere. "Michael and Bob challenged Aqua Sphere to develop a racing suit that distinguishes itself from the other technologies available in the marketplace with particular attention to finding a way to increase the level of flexibility and range of motion to help improve performance. Our team of designers and engineers utilized Aqua Sphere's proprietary technologies to develop a ground-breaking dual fabric technology, Exo-Core, that is an innovative design combination of stability and flexibility fabrics, which serves as the signature feature of the Xpresso."

According to a release, the MP Xpresso combines Aqua Sphere's proprietary Exo-Foil and Aqua-Core fabrics to deliver dual fabric technology, Exo-Core, in a racing suit that not only provides compression, hydrodynamic material and bonded seams, but also offers increased flexibility and range of motion that allows athletes to maintain relaxed muscles before and during competition to maximize peak performance, the Company said.

The groups said the Exo-Core construction features strategically placed panels designed to reduce energy dissipation through compressive support while allowing for increased circulation throughout the leg and femoral artery. The panels work in conjunction with the Xpresso's proprietary fabric to offer athletes a range of motion in a competitive racing suit. The Xpresso was created using Italian design and fabrication.

"My decision to partner with Aqua Sphere and launch the MP brand was driven by the opportunity to enhance the technical aspects of swimming products available in the marketplace, and I am proud to be a part of the development of our first competitive racing suit, the Xpresso," said Phelps. "I believe we have created a racing suit that provides the correct level of compression in the right areas combined with flexibility that is noticeably significant in and out of the water. From the light-weight material to the eye-popping colors, I'm looking forward to racing in the Xpresso starting with the Mesa Grand Prix."

Combining Aqua Sphere's global product design expertise and distribution with Phelps' and Bowman's experiences at the highest levels of swim performance, the MP brand will include a new line of technical swim products featuring proprietary technologies and performance enhancing designs for competitive swimmers.

"From the fabric and patterning, to the compression and body coverage, every detail has been engineered to create a performance suit that is fast in the water, comfortable to wear, and looks great," said Bowman." I was most impressed by the teams' willingness to take our feedback and fine-tune the Xpresso to ensure the best possible performance."

More information:
www.michaelphelps.com
www.AquaSphereSwim.com

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

THE DAILY VIEW

  • Alexandra Scarborough
    Gilt and Sarah Jessica Parker Unveil SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal Collection for Spring

    Sarah Jessica Parker, in partnership with Gilt, kicked off the exclusive launch of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal, Gilt’s first foray into bridal ready-to-wear that would have Carrie Bradshaw swooning.

    The collection includes dresses, skirts, bodysuits and other pieces, ranging in price from $295 to $2,395 and from sizes 0 to 14.

    "Collaborating with Gilt on my first bridal ready-to-wear collection was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," said Sarah Jessica Parker. "The team there is brilliant and allowed me to be imaginative and take risks as I was designing for the non-traditional bride. It has been quite fun to play around with colors, fabrics and details to create unique pieces for all kinds of brides." The collection, comprised of ten styles, is inspired by Parker's vision of a modern, non-traditional bride, and is designed to dress a woman for a variety of wedding milestone moments; from her bridal shower through her wedding reception. Styles offered are a unique mix of classic dresses and gowns, modern bodysuits, full skirts, and a jumpsuit. The color palette includes traditional bridal white, sleek black, plus pops of blush, poppy, light gray and blue.

    Designed in collaboration with Gilt, the collection was produced in New York City utilizing fabrics like cashmere and stretch crepe sourced from Spain, Italy and France.

    The pieces all feature carefully curated details like elegant bows, sophisticated cutouts, feathers, intricate embroidery and beautiful hand-stitched beading. 

    The actress and style icon is no stranger to chic bridal wear. Carrie Badshaw, famously played by Parker, took part in an elaborate bridal photo shoot in Sex and the City: The Movie. The shoot featured gowns from designers like Christian Lacroix and Lanvin. Parker famously wore a black wedding gown for her own wedding to Matthew Broderick in 1997.

    "Not only is Sarah Jessica Parker's style known around the world, her point of view is one-of-a-kind," says Tom Ott, Chief Merchant of Gilt. "Sarah Jessica brings her impeccable taste and fashion sensibility to life in this collection. We think our customers will be delighted with the offering which is stylish and well-priced in the bridal category."

    As part of the bridal launch, Gilt will also offer 15 exclusive styles from the SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker footwear line, each of which are complementary to the bridal collection. 

    To correspond with the bridal collection launch, Gilt City will present offers from some of Sarah Jessica Parker's favorite places in New York City.

    The offers were each chosen as a way to help brides plan for and celebrate the big day with highlights including, Leather Spa, Lars Nord Studio Tailoring, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, among others.

    More Information:
    http://www.Gilt.com/SJP

  • Alexandra Scarborough
    Tea Forté Introduces ‘Matcha’ Collection

    Convenience meets tradition in Tea Forté’s new Ceremonial Matcha Bowl Set and the Matcha Single Steeps.

    The company said its spring harvested, shade grown, stone ground, organic matcha tea is best served in a centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony called chanoyu: a preparation technique known for its centering meditative qualities.

    "The launch of Tea Forté's Matcha collection represents our continued commitment to wellness and cultivating all the potential mental and physical health benefits of tea," says Tea Forté CEO Michael Gebrael. "In addition to our high quality Pure Matcha, we've also blended four distinct flavored Matcha varieties. Prepackaged in pouches measured out for a single serving, our Single Steeps Matcha is ideal for the office, travel, or to keep with you for a boost anytime."

    Tea Forté noted its handcrafted ceremonial tea bowl, handmade bamboo whisk and measuring ladle “encourages serene enjoyment of our premium Kosher, gluten-free and vegan matcha blends.” These include: Pure Matcha, Chocolate Matcha, Coconut Matcha, Ginger Matcha, and Chai Matcha.

    According to a release, in addition to its distinctive taste, matcha is prized for its health benefits. Steeped green tea contains only the antioxidants that can be extracted in water, while with matcha, the whole leaf is consumed.

    Available now in select stores and online at teaforte.com.

 

 

QUICK 5


Expedia.com has released a year-end look at U.S. traveler behavior and trends for 2017, analyzing data to identify the most in-demand destinations, hotels, activities and more.

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